Four fierce women bring 1793 Paris to life in ISU Theatre’s comedy, “The Revolutionists”
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When ISU Theatre’s fiercely funny comedy “The Revolutionists” opens Thursday, March 5, in Fisher Theater, get ready to laugh – but watch out for the guillotine.
Written by playwright Lauren Gunderson, “The Revolutionists” is a witty, revolutionary comedy featuring four fierce women navigating the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle try to beat back extremist insanity in 1793 Paris.
Abigail Keeton (’28 performing arts), who performs the role of playwright Olympe de Gouges, said exploring de Gouges’ real-life story has been fun and challenging. An 18th-century French writer and activist, de Gouges challenged conventional views of her time as a strong advocate for equal rights for women and for the abolition of slavery.
“One challenging aspect has been trying to understand the historical side of her and how she lived as well as the way she is written in the play,” said Keeton, who is also a French minor. “It has been very interesting to try and meld those two people together in my performance.”
To bring these women to life onstage, the cast spent their first week of rehearsals digging deep into the script through text analysis and engaging in rich table discussions.
“The process of bringing this show to life has been such a pleasure,” said Mady Ney (’28 performing arts), who plays assassin Charlotte Corday. “Especially when it comes to creating our four main characters. All women. All different backgrounds, stories, and fates. But each are a crucial part of this show. Abi, Neiley, Bella, and I [cast members] have nourished these female figures from the very start and have continued to value their narratives throughout the entire process.”
The show is directed by Assistant Teaching Professor of Theatre Mary Jo DuPrey. An award-winning theatre director and renowned vocal coach, DuPrey joined the department faculty this year after previously guest directing several ISU Theatre shows. Ney said DuPrey is helping students strengthen their performances and grow from within their characters using techniques that explore both dialogue and movement.
“My favorite one, thus far, has been doing our entire play in Viewpoints, a movement-based artistic practice that provides a creative framework by exploring spatial relationships, shape, time, emotion, movement mechanics, and the materiality of the actor’s body,” Ney said.
The play’s witty humor juxtaposed against the powerful stories of women during a time of revolution will create an atmosphere that audiences won’t want to miss, the cast said.
“Audiences can look forward to an incredibly fun show. With the way it’s written and how Mary Jo has directed us, the show is a lot of fun for us to do – and I expect that it’s even more interesting to watch,” Keeton said.
“The work the actors, directors, and production team have put in for this show will, no doubt, shine on Fisher Theater’s stage,” Ney said. “If you support theatre, young artists, or even just women, the ‘The Revolutionists’ will not be one to miss. This is an important story that deserves to be seen, told, and heard.”
Showtimes and ticket information
Showtimes are March 5, March 6, and March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will take place at Fisher Theater.
All tickets are general admission ($20 for adults; youth and Iowa State students free). Tickets can be purchased at the door, through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office (open Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), or any Ticketmaster. Free youth and student tickets can be obtained at the door or in advance (recommended) through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office. For more information, visit theatre.iastate.edu.
Content advisory
The production contains thematic elements of revolution, oppression, class struggle, and political violence. The production includes stylized portrayals of violence and death, including executions by guillotine, mature language, and moments of loud sound.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.